Transferring files

ABSTRACT

Systems and techniques for transferring one or more files by connecting to a communications system host; sending, to a client connected to the communications system host, a request to transfer one or more files; when a client permits access to the one or more files, establishing a direct socket connection from the client and bypassing the communications system host; and initiating the transfer of the one or more files from the client over the direct socket connection.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to transferring files betweensubscribers of a communications system.

BACKGROUND

Online service providers are constantly offering new services andupgrading existing services to enhance their subscribers' onlineexperience. Subscribers have virtually on-demand access to news,weather, financial, sports, and entertainment services as well as theability to transmit electronic messages and to participate in onlinediscussion groups. For example, subscribers of online service providerssuch as America Online or CompuServe may view and retrieve informationon a wide variety of topics from servers located throughout the world. Aserver may be maintained by the service provider or by a third partyprovider who makes information and services available through theworldwide network of computers that make up the online service.

America Online has provided subscribers with the ability to send andreceive instant messages. Instant messages are private onlineconversations between two or more people who have subscribed to theinstant messaging service and have installed the necessary software.Because such online conversations take place virtually in real time,instant messaging can provide immediate access to desired information.Instant messaging is fast becoming a preferred means of communicatingamong online subscribers.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, one or more files are transferred by connectingto a communications system host; sending, to a client connected to thecommunications system host, a request to transfer one or more files;when the client permits access to the one or more files, establishing adirect socket connection from the client and bypassing thecommunications system host; and initiating the transfer of the one ormore files from the client over the direct socket connection.

Implementations may include transferring the one or more files from theclient transparently to a subscriber using the client; receiving, fromthe client, a list of files available for transfer; and selecting one ormore files from the list of available files. Information pertaining toone or more files may be received from the client, and the client may beinstructed to completely or partially transfer one or more files basedon the information. The client may permit access according to settransfer preferences. The set transfer preferences may designate adirectory from which one or more files may be transferred. The settransfer preferences may also designate which subscribers to thecommunications system host are permitted to transfer files. Thecommunications system host may be an instant messaging host.

In another general aspect, one or more files are transferred byconnecting to a communications system host; receiving from a clientconnected to the communications system host, a request to transfer oneor more files; when the client is permitted to access one or more files,establishing a direct socket connection to the client and bypassing thecommunications system host; and initiating the transfer of the one ormore files from the client over the direct socket connection.

Implementations may include transferring the one or more files to theclient without subscriber intervention; sending to the client, a list offiles available for transfer; and receiving, from the client, aselection of one or more files from the list of available files.Information pertaining to one or more files may be sent to the client,and instructions may be received from the client, to completely orpartially transfer one or more files based on the information. Theclient may be permitted to access the one or more files according to settransfer preferences. The transfer preferences may designate a directoryfrom which one or more files based on the information. The client may bepermitted to access the one or more files according to set transferpreferences. The transfer preferences may designate a directory fromwhich one or more files may be transferred. The set transfer preferencesmay also designate which subscribers to the communications system hostare permitted to transfer files. The communications system host may bean instant messaging host.

In another general aspect, one or more files are transferred byconnecting, at a first client, to a communications system that transfersmessages among subscribers to the communications system; electing, by afirst subscriber of the communications system, to make at least one filestored on the first client available to at least one selected subscriberof the communications system; receiving a message from the at least oneselected subscriber requesting information regarding files on the firstclient available for transfer to a second client of the selectedsubscriber, the message being transferred by the communications systemafter receiving the message from the second client and authenticatingthe identity of the one selected subscriber; and initiating, in responseto the message and without any intervention by the first subscriber, afile transfer process for transferring the at least one file to thesecond client.

The file transfer process may include sending information to the secondclient regarding the at least one file. The file transfer process mayinclude instructions for receiving a request for transferring the atleast one file from the second client.

Implementations may include receiving a message from an unselectedsubscriber not being one of the at least one selected subscriber, themessage requesting information regarding files on the first clientavailable for transfer to a client of the unselected subscriber; andsending a message indicating that files on the first client are notavailable to the unselected subscriber. The first client may display agraphical user interface for selecting, by the first subscriber, the atleast one file and/or the at least one subscriber of the communicationssystem.

Implementations may include opening a communication socket forcommunicating with a server of the communications system; and receiving,through the socket, messages sent by other subscribers of thecommunications system and relayed through the server. A communicationsocket may be established between the first client and the second clientfor transferring the at least one file from the first client to thesecond client. A message may be sent from the first client requestinginformation regarding files on a third client of one of the subscribersavailable for transfer to the first subscriber, the message beingtransferred by the communications system after receiving the messagefrom the first client and authenticating the identity of the firstsubscriber.

Implementations may include receiving information sent by the thirdclient regarding the files on the third client available to the firstsubscriber. The first client may display a graphical user interfaceshowing the information and for selecting, by the first subscriber, oneof the files on the third client for transferring from the third clientto the first client. A request may be sent to the third client, fortransferring the one of the files on the third client. A communicationssocket may be established between the first client and the third clientfor transferring the file from the third client to the first client. Thecommunications system may be an instant messaging system.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the followingdescription, including the drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications system.

FIGS. 2-6 are expansions of the block diagram of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a communications method.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of another communications method.

FIGS. 9-12 are illustrations of different graphical user interfaces.

DESCRIPTION

For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1-6 describe a communications systemfor implementing techniques for transferring files between subscribersof an instant messaging host complex. For brevity, several elements inthe figures described below are represented as monolithic entities.However, as would be understood by one skilled in the art, theseelements each may include numerous interconnected computers andcomponents designed to perform a set of specified operations and/ordedicated to a particular geographical region.

Referring to FIG. 1, a communications system 100 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging data between a client system 105 and a hostsystem 110 through a communications link 115. The client system 105typically includes one or more client devices 120 and/or clientcontrollers 125. For example, the client system 105 may include one ormore general-purpose computers (e.g., personal computers), one or morespecial-purpose computers (e.g., devices specifically programmed tocommunicate with each other and/or the host system 110), or acombination of one or more general-purpose computers and one or morespecial-purpose computers. The client system 105 may be arranged tooperate within or in concert with one or more other systems, such as forexample, one or more LANs (“Local Area Networks”) and/or one or moreWANs (“Wide Area Networks”).

The client device 120 is generally capable of executing instructionsunder the command of a client controller 125. The client device 120 isconnected to the client controller 125 by a wired or wireless datapathway 130 capable of delivering data.

The client device 120 and client controller 125 each typically includesone or more hardware components and/or software components. An exampleof a client device 120 is a general-purpose computer (e.g., a personalcomputer) capable of responding to and executing instructions in adefined manner. Other examples include a special-purpose computer, aworkstation, a server, a device, a component, other equipment or somecombination thereof capable of responding to and executing instructions.An example of client controller 125 is a software application loaded onthe client device 120 for commanding and directing communicationsenabled by the client device 120. Other examples include a program, apiece of code, an instruction, a device, a computer, a computer system,or a combination thereof, for independently or collectively instructingthe client device 120 to interact and operate as described herein. Theclient controller 125 may be embodied permanently or temporarily in anytype of machine, component, equipment, storage medium, computer readablemedium or propagated signal capable of providing instructions to theclient device 120.

The communications link 115 typically includes a delivery network 160making a direct or indirect communication between the client system 105and the host system 110, irrespective of physical separation. Examplesof a delivery network 160 include the Internet, the World Wide Web,WANs, LANs, analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks(e.g. PSTN, ISDN, or xDSL), radio, television, cable, satellite, and/orany other delivery mechanism for carrying data. The communications link115 may include communication pathways 150, 155 that enablecommunications through the one or more delivery networks 160 describedabove. Each of the communication pathways 150, 155 may include, forexample, a wired, wireless, cable or satellite communication pathway.

The host system 110 includes a host device 135 capable of executinginstructions under the command and direction of a host controller 140.The host device 135 is connected to the host controller 140 by a wiredor wireless data pathway 145 capable of carrying and delivering data.

The host system 110 typically includes one or more host devices 135and/or host controllers 140. For example, the host system 110 mayinclude one or more general-purpose computers (e.g., personalcomputers), one or more special-purpose computers (e.g., devicesspecifically programmed to communicate with each other and/or the clientsystem 105), or a combination of one or more general-purpose computersand one or more special-purpose computers. The host system 110 may bearranged to operate within or in concert with one or more other systems,such as, for example, one or more LANs (“Local Area Networks”) and/orone or more WANs (“Wide Area Networks”).

The host device 135 and host controller 140 each typically includes oneor more hardware components and/or software components. An example of ahost device 135 is a general-purpose computer (e.g., a personalcomputer) capable of responding to and executing instructions in adefined manner. Other examples include a special-purpose computer, aworkstation, a server, a device, a component, other equipment or somecombination thereof capable of responding to and executing instructions.An example of host controller 140 is a software application loaded onthe host device 135 for commanding and directing communications enabledby the host device 135. Other examples include a program, a piece ofcode, an instruction, a device, a computer, a computer system, or acombination thereof, for independently or collectively instructing thehost device 135 to interact and operate as described herein. The hostcontroller 140 may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type ofmachine, component, equipment, storage medium, or propagated signalcapable of providing instructions to the host device 135.

FIG. 2 illustrates a communication system 200 including a client system205 communicating with a host system 210 through a communications link215. Client system 205 typically includes one or more client devices 220and one or more client controllers 225 for controlling the clientdevices 220. Host system 210 typically includes one or more host devices235 and one or more host controllers 240 for controlling the hostdevices 235. The communications link 215 may include communicationpathways 250, 255 enabling communications through the one or moredelivery networks 260.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 2 arebroadly described above with respect to FIG. 1. In particular, the hostsystem 210 and communications link 215 typically have attributescomparable to those described with respect to host system 110 andcommunications link 115 of FIG. 1. Likewise, the client system 205 ofFIG. 2 typically has attributes comparable to and illustrates onepossible embodiment of the client system 105 of FIG. 1.

The client device 220 typically includes a general purpose computer 270having an internal or external storage 272 for storing data and programssuch as an operating system 274 (e.g., DOS, Windows™, Windows 95™,Windows 98™, Windows 2000™, Windows NT™, OS/2, or Linux) and one or moreapplication programs. Examples of application programs include authoringapplications 276 (e.g., word processing, database programs, spreadsheetprograms, or graphics programs) capable of generating documents or otherelectronic content; client applications 278 (e.g., AOL client,CompuServe client, AIM client, AOL TV client, or ISP client) capable ofcommunicating with other computer users, accessing various computerresources, and viewing, creating, or otherwise manipulating electroniccontent; and browser applications 280 (e.g., Netscape's Navigator orMicrosoft's Internet Explorer) capable of rendering standard Internetcontent.

The general-purpose computer 270 also includes a central processing unit282 (CPU) for executing instructions in response to commands from theclient controller 225. In one implementation, the client controller 225includes one or more of the application programs installed on theinternal or external storage 252 of the general-purpose computer 250. Inanother implementation, the client controller 225 includes applicationprograms externally stored in and performed by one or more device(s)external to the general-purpose computer 270.

The general-purpose computer typically will include a communicationdevice 284 for sending and receiving data. One example of thecommunication device 284 is a modem. Other examples include atransceiver, a set-top box, a communication card, a satellite dish, anantenna, or another network adapter capable of transmitting andreceiving data over the communications link 215 through a wired orwireless data pathway 250. The general-purpose computer 270 also mayinclude a TV (“television”) tuner 286 for receiving televisionprogramming in the form of broadcast, satellite, and/or cable TVsignals. As a result, the client device 220 can selectively and/orsimultaneously display network content received by communications device284 and television programming content received by the TV tuner 286.

The general-purpose computer 270 typically will include an input/outputinterface 288 for wired or wireless connection to various peripheraldevices 290. Examples of peripheral devices 290 include, but are notlimited to, a mouse 291, a mobile phone 292, a personal digitalassistant 293 (PDA), a keyboard 294, a display monitor 295 with orwithout a touch screen input, and/or a TV remote control 296 forreceiving information from and rendering information to subscribers.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates devices such as a mobile telephone 292, aPDA 293, and a TV remote control 296 as being peripheral with respect tothe general-purpose computer 270, in another implementation, suchdevices may themselves include the functionality of the general-purposecomputer 270 and operate as the client device 220. For example, themobile phone 292 or the PDA 293 may include computing and networkingcapabilities and function as a client device 220 by accessing thedelivery network 260 and communicating with the host system 210.Furthermore, the client system 205 may include one, some or all of thecomponents and devices described above.

Referring to FIG. 3, a communications system 300 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 305 and ahost system 310 through a communication link 315. Client system 305typically includes one or more client devices 320 and one or more clientcontrollers 325 for controlling the client devices 320. Host system 310typically includes one or more host devices 335 and one or more hostcontrollers 340 for controlling the host devices 335. The communicationslink 315 may include communication pathways 350, 355 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 360.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 3 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular,the client system 305 and the communications link 315 typically haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to client systems105 and 205 and communications links 115 and 215 of FIGS. 1 and 2.Likewise, the host system 310 of FIG. 3 may have attributes comparableto and illustrates one possible embodiment of the host systems 110 and210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively.

The host system 310 includes a host device 335 and a host controller340. The host controller 340 is generally capable of transmittinginstructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 335. Forexample, in one implementation, the host controller 340 includes one ormore software applications loaded on the host device 335. However, inother implementations, as described above, the host controller 340 mayinclude any of several other programs, machines, and devices operatingindependently or collectively to control the host device 335.

The host device 335 includes a login server 370 for enabling access bysubscribers and routing communications between the client system 305 andother elements of the host device 335. The host device 335 also includesvarious host complexes such as the depicted OSP (“Online ServiceProvider”) host complex 380 and IM (“Instant Messaging”) host complex390. To enable access to these host complexes by subscribers, the clientsystem 305 includes communication software, for example, an OSP clientapplication and an IM client application. The OSP and IM communicationsoftware applications are designed to facilitate the subscriber'sinteractions with the respective services and, in particular, mayprovide access to all the services available within the respective hostcomplexes.

Typically, the OSP host complex 380 supports different services, such asemail, discussion groups, chat, news services, and Internet access. TheOSP host complex 380 is generally designed with an architecture thatenables the machines within the OSP host complex 380 to communicate witheach other and employs certain protocols (i.e., standards, formats,conventions, rules, and structures) to transfer data. The OSP hostcomplex 380 ordinarily employs one or more OSP protocols and customdialing engines to enable access by selected client applications. TheOSP host complex 380 may define one or more specific protocols for eachservice based on a common, underlying proprietary protocol.

The IM host complex 390 is generally independent of the OSP host complex380, and supports instant messaging services irrespective of asubscriber's network or Internet access. Thus, the IM host complex 390allows subscribers to send and receive instant messages, whether or notthey have access to any particular ISP. The IM host complex 390 maysupport associated services, such as administrative matters,advertising, directory services, chat, and interest groups related tothe instant messaging. The IM host complex 390 has an architecture thatenables all of the machines within the IM host complex to communicatewith each other. To transfer data, the IM host complex 390 employs oneor more standard or exclusive IM protocols.

The host device 335 may include one or more gateways that connect andtherefore link complexes, such as the OSP host complex gateway 385 andthe IM host complex gateway 395. The OSP host complex gateway 385 andthe IM host complex 395 gateway may directly or indirectly link the OSPhost complex 380 with the IM host complex 390 through a wired orwireless pathway. Ordinarily, when used to facilitate a link betweencomplexes, the OSP host complex gateway 385 and the IM host complexgateway 395 are privy to information regarding the protocol typeanticipated by a destination complex, which enables any necessaryprotocol conversion to be performed incident to the transfer of datafrom one complex to another. For instance, the OSP host complex 380 andIM host complex 395 generally use different protocols such thattransferring data between the complexes requires protocol conversion byor at the request of the OSP host complex gateway 385 and/or the IM hostcomplex gateway 395.

Referring to FIG. 4, a communications system 400 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 405 and ahost system 410 through a communication link 415. Client system 405typically includes one or more client devices 420 and one or more clientcontrollers 425 for controlling the client devices 420. Host system 410typically includes one or more host devices 435 and one or more hostcontrollers 440 for controlling the host devices 435. The communicationslink 415 may include communication pathways 450, 455 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 460. As shown,the client system 405 may access the Internet 465 through the hostsystem 410.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 4 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. In particular, theclient system 405 and the communications link 415 typically haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to client systems105, 205, and 305 and communications links 115, 215, and 315 of FIGS.1-3. Likewise, the host system 410 of FIG. 4 may have attributescomparable to and illustrates one possible embodiment of the hostsystems 110, 210, and 310 shown in FIGS. 1-3, respectively. However,FIG. 4 describes an aspect of the host system 410, focusing primarily onone particular implementation of OSP host complex 480. For purposes ofcommunicating with an OSP host complex 480, the delivery network 460 isgenerally a telephone network.

The client system 405 includes a client device 420 and a clientcontroller 425. The client controller 425 is generally capable ofestablishing a connection to the host system 410, including the OSP hostcomplex 480, the IM host complex 490 and/or the Internet 465. In oneimplementation, the client controller 425 includes an OSP applicationfor communicating with servers in the OSP host complex 480 usingexclusive OSP protocols. The client controller 425 also may includeapplications, such as an IM client application, and/or an Internetbrowser application, for communicating with the IM host complex 490 andthe Internet 465.

The host system 410 includes a host device 435 and a host controller440. The host controller 440 is generally capable of transmittinginstructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 435. Forexample, in one implementation, the host controller 340 includes one ormore software applications loaded on one or more elements of the hostdevice 435. However, in other implementations, as described above, thehost controller 440 may include any of several other programs, machines,and devices operating independently or collectively to control the hostdevice 435.

The host system 410 includes a login server 470 capable of enablingcommunications with and authorizing access by client systems 405 tovarious elements of the host system 410, including an OSP host complex480 and an IM host complex 490. The login server 470 may implement oneor more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to theOSP host complex 480 and the IM host complex 490. The OSP host complex480 and the IM host complex 490 are connected through one or more OSPhost complex gateways 485 and one or more IM host complex gateways 495.Each OSP host complex gateway 485 and IM host complex gateway 495 mayperform any protocol conversions necessary to enable communicationbetween the OSP host complex 480, the IM host complex 490, and theInternet 465.

The OSP host complex 480 supports a set of services from one or moreservers located internal to and external from the OSP host complex 480.Severs external to the OSP host complex 480 generally may be viewed asexisting on the Internet 465. Servers internal to the OSP complex 480may be arranged in one or more configurations. For example, servers maybe arranged in large centralized clusters known as farms 4802 or inlocalized clusters known as pods 4804.

Farms 4802 are groups of servers located at centralized locations withinthe OSP host complex 480. Farms 4802 generally are dedicated toproviding particular functionality and services to subscribers andclients from a centralized location, regardless of the location of thesubscriber or client. Farms 4802 are particularly useful for providingservices that depend upon other processes and services for information,such as, for example, chat, email, instant messaging, news, newsgroups,search, stock updates, and weather. Thus, farms 4802 tend to rely onconnections with external resources such as the Internet 465 and/orother servers within the OSP host complex 480. To reduce the time delaysand congestion inherent in centralized processing, some services offeredby the OSP host complex 480 are provided from localized servers,generally known as pods 4804. Each pod 4804 includes one or moreinterrelated servers capable of operating together to provide one ormore services offered by the OSP host complex 480 in a geographicallylocalized manner, the servers within a pod 4804 generally operatingindependently rather than relying on resources external to the pod 4804to operate. A pod 4804 may cache content received from external sources,such as farms 4802 or the Internet 465, making frequently requestedinformation readily available to local subscribers served by the pod4804. In this way, pods 4804 are particularly useful in providingservices that are independent of other processes and servers such as,for example, routing, keywords, and downloading certain software andgraphical interface updates with reduced processing time and congestion.The determination of which servers and processes are located in the pod4804 is made by the OSP according to load distribution, frequency ofrequests, demographics, and other factors.

In addition to farms 4802 and pods 4804, the implementation of FIG. 4also includes one or more non-podded servers 4806. In general, thenon-podded server 4806 may be dedicated to performing a particularservice that relies on other processes and services for information andmay be directly or indirectly connected to resources outside of the OSPhost complex 480, such as the Internet 465 and the IM host complex 490,through an OSP gateway 4808. In the event that subscriber usage of theparticular service is relatively high, the non-podded server 4806 may beincluded in a farm.

In the implementation of FIG. 4, a pod 4810, shown in more detail,includes a routing processor 4812. In a packet-based implementation, theclient system 405 may generate information requests, convert therequests into data packets, sequence the data packets, perform errorchecking and other packet-switching techniques, and transmit the datapackets to the routing processor 4812. Upon receiving data packets fromthe client system 405, the routing processor may directly or indirectlyroute the data packets to a specified destination within or outside ofthe OSP host complex 480. In general, the routing processor 4812 willexamine an address field of a data request, use a mapping table todetermine the appropriate destination for the data request, and directthe data request to the appropriate destination.

For example, in the event that a data request from the client system 405can be satisfied locally, the routing processor 4812 may direct the datarequest to a local server 4814 in the pod 4810. In the event that thedata request cannot be satisfied locally, the routing processor 4812 maydirect the data request internally to one or more farms 4802, one ormore other pods 4804, or one or more non-podded servers 4812 in the OSPhost complex 480 or may direct the data request externally to theInternet 465 or the IM host complex 490 through an OSP/pod gateway 4816.

The routing processor 4812 also may direct data requests and/orotherwise facilitate communication between the client system 405 and theInternet 465. In one implementation, the client system 405 uses an OSPclient application to convert standard Internet content and protocolsinto OSP protocols and vice versa. For example, when a browserapplication transmits a request in standard Internet protocol, the OSPclient application can intercept the request, convert the request intoan OSP protocol and send the converted request to the routing processor4812 in the OSP host complex 480. The routing processor 4812 recognizesthe Internet 465 as the destination and routes the data packets to an IP(“Internet Protocol”) tunnel 4818. The IP tunnel 4818 converts the datafrom the OSP protocol back into standard Internet protocol and transmitsthe data to the Internet 465. The IP tunnel 4818 also converts the datareceived from the Internet in the standard Internet protocol back intothe OSP protocol and sends the data to the routing processor 4812 fordelivery back to the client system 405. At the client system 405, theOSP client application converts the data in the OSP protocol back intostandard Internet content for communication with the browserapplication.

The IP tunnel 4818 may act as a buffer between the client system 405 andthe Internet 465, and may implement content filtering and time savingtechniques. For example, the IP tunnel 4818 can check parental controlssettings of the client system 402 and request and transmit content fromthe Internet 465 according to the parental control settings. Inaddition, the IP tunnel 4818 may include a number a caches for storingfrequently accessed information. If requested data is determined to bestored in the caches, the IP tunnel 4818 may send the information to theclient system 405 from the caches and avoid the need to access theInternet 465.

In another implementation, the client system 405 may use standardInternet protocols and formatting to access the pod 4810 and theInternet 465. For example, the subscriber can use an OSP TV clientapplication having an embedded browser application installed on theclient system 405 to generate a request in standard Internet protocol,such as HTTP (“HyperText Transport Protocol”). In a packet-basedimplementation, data packets may be encapsulated inside a standardInternet tunneling protocol, such as, for example, UDP (“User DatagramProtocol”) and routed to a web tunnel 4820. The web tunnel 4820 may be aL2TP (“Layer Two Tunneling Protocol”) tunnel capable of establishing apoint-to-point protocol (PPP) session with the client system 405. Theweb tunnel 4820 provides a gateway to the routing processor 4812 withinthe pod 4810, the Internet 465, and a web proxy 4822.

The web proxy 4822 can look up subscriber information from the IPaddress of the client system 405 to determine the subscriber's parentalcontrols settings and other demographic information. In this way, theweb proxy 4822 can tailor the subscriber's content and user interfaces.The web proxy 4822 can also perform caching functions to store certainURLs (“Uniform Resource Locators”) and other electronic content so thatthe web proxy 4822 can locally deliver information to the client system405 and avoid the need to access the Internet 465 in the event that datarequested by the client system 405 has been cached.

Referring to FIG. 5, a communications system 500 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 505 and ahost system 510 through a communication link 515. Client system 505typically includes one or more client devices 520 and one or more clientcontrollers 525 for controlling the client devices 520. Host system 510typically includes one or more host devices 535 and one or more hostcontrollers 540 for controlling the host devices 535. The communicationslink 515 may include communication pathways 550, 555 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 560. As shown,the client system 505 may access the Internet 565 through the hostsystem 510.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 5 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. In particular, theclient system 505 and the communications link 515 typically haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to client systems105, 205, 305, and 405 and communications links 115, 215, 315, and 415of FIGS. 1-4. Likewise, the host system 510 of FIG. 5 may haveattributes comparable to and illustrates one possible embodiment of thehost systems 110, 210, 310, and 410 shown in FIGS. 1-4, respectively.However, FIG. 5 describes an aspect of the host system 510, focusingprimarily on one particular implementation of IM host complex 590. Forpurposes of communicating with the IM host complex 590, the deliverynetwork 560 is generally a telephone network.

The client system 505 includes a client device 520 and a clientcontroller 525. The client controller 525 is generally capable ofestablishing a connection to the host system 510, including the OSP hostcomplex 580, the IM host complex 590 and/or the Internet 565. In oneimplementation, the client controller 525 includes an IM application forcommunicating with servers in the IM host complex 590 utilizingexclusive IM protocols. The client controller 525 also may includeapplications, such as an OSP client application, and/or an Internetbrowser application for communicating with the OSP host complex 580 andthe Internet 565, respectively.

The host system 510 includes a host device 535 and a host controller540. The host controller 540 is generally capable of transmittinginstructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 535. Forexample, in one implementation, the host controller 540 includes one ormore software applications loaded on one or more elements of the hostdevice 535. However, in other implementations, as described above, thehost controller 540 may include any of several other programs, machines,and devices operating independently or collectively to control the hostdevice 535.

The host system 510 includes a login server 570 capable of enablingcommunications with and authorizing access by client systems 505 tovarious elements of the host system 510, including an OSP host complex580 and an IM host complex 590. The login server 570 may implement oneor more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to theOSP host complex 580 and the IM host complex 590. The OSP host complex580 and the IM host complex 590 are connected through one or more OSPhost complex gateways 585 and one or more IM host complex gateways 595.Each OSP host complex gateway 585 and IM host complex gateway 595 mayperform any protocol conversions necessary to enable communicationbetween the OSP host complex 580, the IM host complex 590, and theInternet 565.

To access the IM host complex 590 to begin an instant messaging session,the client system 505 establishes a connection to the login server 570.The login server 570 typically determines whether the particularsubscriber is authorized to access the IM host complex 590 by verifyinga subscriber identification and password. If the subscriber isauthorized to access the IM host complex 590, the login server 570employs a hashing technique on the subscriber's screen name to identifya particular IM server 5902 for use during the subscriber's session. Thelogin server 570 provides the client system 505 with the IP address ofthe particular IM server 5902, gives the client system 505 an encryptedkey (i.e., a cookie), and breaks the connection. The client system 505then uses the IP address to establish a connection to the particular IMserver 5902 through the communications link 515, and obtains access tothat IM server 5902 using the encrypted key. Typically, the clientsystem 505 will be equipped with a Winsock API (“Application ProgrammingInterface”) that enables the client system 505 to establish an open TCPconnection to the IM server 5902.

Once a connection to the IM server 5902 has been established, the clientsystem 505 may directly or indirectly transmit data to and accesscontent from the IM server 5902 and one or more associated domainservers 5904. The IM server 5902 supports the fundamental instantmessaging services and the domain severs 5904 may support associatedservices, such as, for example, administrative matters, directoryservices, chat and interest groups. In general, the purpose of thedomain servers 5904 is to lighten the load placed on the IM server 5902by assuming responsibility for some of the services within the IM hostcomplex 590. By accessing the IM server 5902 and/or the domain server5904, a subscriber can use the IM client application to view whetherparticular subscribers (“buddies”) are online, exchange instant messageswith particular subscribers, participate in group chat rooms, tradefiles such as pictures, invitations or documents, find other subscriberswith similar interests, get customized news and stock quotes, and searchthe Web.

In the implementation of FIG. 5, the IM server 5902 is directly orindirectly connected to a routing gateway 5906. The routing gateway 5906facilitates the connection between the IM server 5902 and one or morealert multiplexors 5908, for example, by serving as a link minimizationtool or hub to connect several IM servers to several alert multiplexors.In general, an alert multiplexor 5908 maintains a record of alerts andsubscribers registered to receive the alerts.

Once the client system 505 is connected to the alert multiplexor 5908, asubscriber can register for and/or receive one or more types of alerts.The connection pathway between the client system 505 and the alertmultiplexor 5908 is determined by employing another hashing technique atthe IM server 5902 to identify the particular alert multiplexor 5908 tobe used for the subscriber's session. Once the particular multiplexor5908 has been identified, the IM server 5902 provides the client system505 with the IP address of the particular alert multiplexor 5908 andgives the client system 505 an encrypted key (i.e., a cookie). Theclient system 505 then uses the IP address to connect to the particularalert multiplexor 5908 through the communication link 515 and obtainsaccess to the alert multiplexor 5908 using the encrypted key.

The alert multiplexor 5908 is connected to an alert gate 5910 that, likethe IM host complex gateway 595, is capable of performing the necessaryprotocol conversions to form a bridge to the OSP host complex 580. Thealert gate 5910 is the interface between the IM host complex 590 and thephysical servers, such as servers in the OSP host complex 580, wherestate changes are occurring. In general, the information regarding statechanges will be gathered and used by the IM host complex 590. However,the alert multiplexor 5908 also may communicate with the OSP hostcomplex 580 through the IM gateway 595, for example, to provide theservers and subscribers of the OSP host complex 580 with certaininformation gathered from the alert gate 5910.

The alert gate 5910 can detect an alert feed corresponding to aparticular type of alert. The alert gate 5910 may include a piece ofcode (alert receive code) capable of interacting with another piece ofcode (alert broadcast code) on the physical server where a state changeoccurs. In general, the alert receive code installed on the alert gate5910 instructs the alert broadcast code installed on the physical serverto send an alert feed to the alert gate 5910 upon the occurrence of aparticular state change. Upon detecting an alert feed, the alert gate5910 contacts the alert multiplexor 5908, which in turn, informs theclient system 505 of the detected alert feed.

In the implementation of FIG. 5, the IM host complex 590 also includes asubscriber profile server 5912 connected to a database 5914 for storinglarge amounts of subscriber profile data. The subscriber profile server5912 may be used to enter, retrieve, edit, manipulate, or otherwiseprocess subscriber profile data. In one implementation, a subscriber'sprofile data includes, for example, the subscriber's buddy list, alertpreferences, designated stocks, identified interests, and geographiclocation. The subscriber may enter, edit and/or delete profile datausing an installed IM client application on the client system 505 tointeract with the subscriber profile server 5912.

Because the subscriber's data is stored in the IM host complex 590, thesubscriber does not have to reenter or update such information in theevent that the subscriber accesses the IM host complex 590 using new ora different client system 505. Accordingly, when a subscriber accessesthe IM host complex 590, the IM server 5902 can instruct the subscriberprofile server 5912 to retrieve the subscriber's profile data from thedatabase 5914 and to provide, for example, the subscriber's buddy listto the IM server 5902 and the subscriber's alert preferences to thealert multiplexor 5908. The subscriber profile server 530 also maycommunicate with other servers in the OSP host complex 590 to sharesubscriber profile data with other services. Alternatively, user profiledata may be saved locally on the client device 505.

Referring to FIG. 6, a communications system 600 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 605 and ahost system 610 through a communication link 615. Client system 605typically includes one or more client devices 620 and one or more clientcontrollers 625 for controlling the client devices 620. Host system 610typically includes one or more host devices 635 and one or more hostcontrollers 640 for controlling the host devices 635. The communicationslink 615 may include communication pathways 550, 555 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 660.

Examples of each element within the communication system of FIG. 5 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5. In particular, theclient system 605 and the communications link 615 typically haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to client systems105, 205, 305, 405 and 505 and communications links 115, 215, 315, 415and 515 of FIGS. 1-5. Likewise, the host system 610 of FIG. 6 may haveattributes comparable to and illustrates one possible embodiment of thehost systems 110, 210, 310, 410 and 510 shown in FIGS. 1-5,respectively. However, FIG. 6 describes an aspect of the host system610, focusing primarily on one particular implementation of IM hostcomplex 690. For purposes of communicating with the IM host complex 690,the delivery network 660 is generally a telephone network.

The client system 605 includes a client device 620 and a clientcontroller 625. The client controller 625 is generally capable ofestablishing a connection to the host system 610, including the IM hostcomplex 690. In one implementation, the client controller 625 includesan IM application for communicating with servers in the IM host complex690 utilizing exclusive IM protocols.

The host system 610 includes a host device 635 and a host controller640. The host controller 640 is generally capable of transmittinginstructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 635. Forexample, in one implementation, the host controller 640 includes one ormore software applications loaded on one or more elements of the hostdevice 635. However, in other implementations, as described above, thehost controller 640 may include any of several other programs, machines,and devices operating independently or collectively to control the hostdevice 635.

The host system 610 includes a login server 670 capable of enablingcommunications with and authorizing access by client systems 605 tovarious elements of the host system 610, including the IM host complex690. The IM host complex 690 includes an IM server network 6902 and analert multiplexor network 6908. The IM server network 6902 is aninterconnected network of IM servers and the alert multiplexor network6908 is an interconnected network of alert multiplexors. Each IM serverand each alert multiplexor can directly or indirectly communicate andexchange information with all of the IM servers in the IM server network6902 and all of the alert multiplexors in the alert multiplexor network6908. Each of the alert multiplexors in the alert multiplexor network6908 is connected to several alert gates 6910 that receive differenttypes of alerts. In the implementation of FIG. 6, the IM server network6902 and the alert multiplexor network 6908 are interconnected by arouting gateway 6906 that serves as a common hub to reduce the number ofconnections.

A subscriber typically will be assigned to one IM server in the IMserver network 6902 and to one alert multiplexor in the alertmultiplexor network 6908 during a session based on one or more hashingtechniques. However, the IM servers and the alert multiplexors arecapable of storing subscriber information and other electronic contentthat may be accessed by the other IM servers and alert multiplexors. Inone implementation, for example, each IM server in the IM server network6902 may be dedicated to serving a particular set of registeredsubscribers. Because all of the IM servers can communicate with eachother, all subscribers can communicate with each other through instantmessaging. In another implementation, each alert multiplexor in thealert multiplexor network 6908 may be dedicated to storing informationabout a particular set or subset of alerts. Because all of the alertmultiplexors can communicate with each other, all registered subscriberscan receive all types of alerts. This networking arrangement enables theload to be distributed among the various servers in the IM host complex690 while still enabling a subscriber to communicate, share information,or otherwise interact with other subscribers and servers in the IM hostcomplex 690.

Referring to FIG. 7, a first client 702 a, a second client 702 b, and ahost 704 interact according to a procedure 700 to transfer one or morefiles. The procedure 700 may be implemented by any type of hardware,software, device, computer, computer system, equipment, component,program, application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal.

Examples of each element of FIG. 7 are broadly described above withrespect to FIGS. 1-6. In particular, the first client 702 a and thesecond client 702 b typically have attributes comparable to thosedescribed with respect to client devices 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 and 620and/or client controllers 125, 225, 325, 425, 525 and 625. The host 704typically has attributes comparable to those described with respect tohost device 135, 235, 335, 435, 535 and 635 and/or host controllers 140,240, 340, 440, 540 and 640. The first client 702 a, the second client702 b, and/or the host 704 may be directly or indirectly interconnectedthrough a known or described delivery network.

Each of the clients 702 a, 702 b is associated with a subscriber. Toallow file transfers, each subscriber sets certain preferences forpermitting files to be transferred to and from other subscribers. Forexample, a first subscriber may set transfer preferences governing whichscreen names or subscribers can get files from client 702 a and whichscreen names or subscribers can send files to client 702 a. Likewise, asecond subscriber may set transfer preferences governing which screennames or subscribers can get files from client 702 b and which screennames or subscribers can send files to client 702 b. Typically, eachsubscriber will be presented with a graphical UI (“User Interface”) thatpermits the subscriber to select among various transfer preferencesincluding, for example, the conditions for making files available toother subscribers and the directory where the available files arestored. A subscriber's transfer preferences may be maintained locally oron the host 704.

In general, the client 702 a and the client 702 b communicate over anopen connection, such as an open TCP connection established through thehost 704. Typically, both clients 702 a, 702 b include a Winsock API forestablishing an open TCP connection to the host 704 and a clientapplication for accessing the host 704. The client devices 702 a, 702 bconnect to the host 704 to establish the connection.

The clients 702 a, 702 b can use the connection to communicate with thehost 704 and with each other. The connection remains open during thetime that the first client 702 a and the second client 702 b areaccessing the host 704. To access the host 704, each client 702 a, 702 bsends a request to the host 704. The requests identify the associatedsubscribers to the host 704 and to other subscribers using thesubscribers' unique screen names. The host 704 verifies a subscriber'sinformation (e.g., screen name and password) against data stored in asubscriber database. If the subscriber's information is verified, thehost 704 authorizes access. If the subscriber's information is notverified, the host 704 denies access and sends an error message.

Upon accessing the host 704, the client 702 a receives a list of thefirst subscriber's “buddies” that are currently online (i.e., accessingthe host 704). Buddies are subscribers or screen names designated forexchanging instant messages. In general, the host 704 informs the firstsubscriber as to whether designated buddies are online or offline. Thehost 704 also informs any subscriber that has designated the firstsubscriber as a buddy that the first subscriber is online. The firstsubscriber can use an application running on the client 702 a (“theclient application”) to view the online status of particular buddies,exchange instant messages with online buddies, participate in group chatrooms, trade files such as pictures, invitations or documents, findother subscribers with similar interests, get customized news and stockquotes, and search the Web. Additionally, the subscriber can use theclient application to transfer one or more files to or from the clientdevice of another subscriber.

In one implementation, the first subscriber using the client 702 aselects to transfer one or more files from the client 702 b of thesecond subscriber. The first subscriber initiates the transfer bysending a get file message to the host 704 (step 710). The get filemessage includes, for example, the message type, the screen name of thefirst subscriber, the screen name of the second subscriber, the IPaddress of the client 702 a, and a randomly generated security number.The host 704 authenticates that the get file message from the client 702a is from a valid subscriber using, for example, a reverse look-up table(step 715). Once the get file message is verified, the host 704 sendsthe get file message to the client 702 b of the second subscriber (step720).

The client 702 b receives the get file message from the host 704 (step725) and then determines whether the first subscriber (i.e., the senderof the get file message) is allowed to access to any stored files (step730). The client 702 b then sends a message to the host 704 based onwhether the second subscriber has available files and whether the secondsubscriber has selected to give the first subscriber access to theavailable files. In the event that the first subscriber is denied accessand/or there are no available files, the client 702 b sends a refusalmessage to the host 704 (step 735). The host 704 authenticates that theget file message from the client 702 b is from a valid subscriber (step740) and then sends the refusal message to the client 702 a of the firstsubscriber (step 745). Upon receiving the refusal message, the client702 a displays a message to the first subscriber indicating that thefile transfer cannot take place (step 750).

In the event that the first subscriber is granted access to availablefiles, the client 702 b sends an accept message to the host 704 (step755). The host 704 authenticates that the accept file message from theclient 702 b is from a valid subscriber (step 760) and then sends theaccept message to the client 702 a of the first subscriber (step 765).Upon receiving the accept message, the client 702 a displays a messageto the first subscriber indicating that the file transfer can commence(step 770) and then initiates the file transfer (step 775).

Referring to FIG. 8, the first client 702 a, the second client 702 b,and the host 704 interact according to a procedure 800 to initiate thefile transfer (step 775 of FIG. 7) and transfer one or more files. Theprocedure 800 may be implemented by any type of hardware, software,device, computer, computer system, equipment, component, program,application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal.

The first client 702 a, the second client 702 b, and the host 704operate in conjunction with one another to transfer one or more files tothe client 702 a from the client 702 b. In general, a connection betweenthe client 702 a and the client 702 b is established and the subscriberusing the client 702 a must be allowed to get and receive files from thesubscriber using the client 702 b.

In one implementation, the client 702 b establishes a direct socketconnection (e.g., a peer-to-peer socket connection) to the client 702 ausing the IP address of the client 702 a (step 810). In somecircumstances, however, the client 702 b may be unable to establish adirect socket connection to the client 702 a, such as, for example whenthe client 702 a is behind a firewall. In the event that the client 702b cannot establish a direct socket connection to the client 702 a aftera predetermined time period, the client 702 b sends a connect message tothe client 702 a through the host 704 (step 815). The connect messageincludes, for example, the message type, the screen name of the firstsubscriber, the screen name of the second subscriber, the IP address ofthe client 702 b, and a randomly generated security number. The host 704authenticates that the connect message from the client 702 b is from avalid subscriber (step 820) and then sends the connect message to theclient 702 a (step 825).

Upon receiving the connect message, the client 702 a establishes adirect socket connection to the client 702 b of the second subscriberusing the IP address of the client 702 b (step 830). If, however, theclient 702 a is unable to establish a direct socket connection to theclient 702 b, such as, for example when the client 702 b is behind afirewall, the client 702 a displays a message indicating that the filetransfer cannot take place (step 835) and sends an error message to theclient 702 b through the host 704 (step 840). The host 704 authenticatesthat the error message from the client 702 a is from a valid subscriber(step 845) and then sends the error message to the client 702 b of thesecond subscriber (step 850). In response to the received error message,the client 702 b displays a message indicating that the file transfercannot take place (step 855).

If a direct socket connection has been established between the client702 a and the client 702 b (in either step F10 or step 830), the client702 b verifies that the client 702 a includes a valid client applicationby, for example, verifying the security number of the client application(step 860). The client 702 b then sends a list of available files to theclient 702 a over the direct socket connection (step 865).

The client 702 a receives the list of available files from the client702 b and displays the list of available files to the first subscriberon a UI, for example (step 870). The first subscriber uses the UI toselect one or more files to transfer from the client 702 b. The client702 a then sends a file select message to the client 702 b over thedirect socket connection (step 875). The file select message includes,for example, information identifying one or more files selected fortransfer. The client 702 b receives the file select message and thensends a file info message to the client 702 a over the direct socketconnection (step 880). The file info message includes, for example,information indicating file name, file size, and the last time the filewas modified.

Upon receiving the file info message, the client 702 a determineswhether the selected file has been previously received and whether acopy of the selected file exists in whole or in part on the client 702 a(step 885). In the event that the selected file has been previouslyreceived, the client 702 a queries whether the entire selected file isto be re-transferred. Typically, when a complete copy of the selectedfile exists on the client 702 a, the file transfer will be aborted. Whenthe copy of the selected file on the client 702 a is incomplete or isoutdated, the file transfer will include only the additional and/orupdated portions of the selected file.

After determining whether the selected file is to be completely orpartially transferred (step 885), the client 702 a sends a transferinstruct message to the client 702 b over the direct socket connection(step 890). The transfer instruct message includes, for example,parameters governing which portions of the selected file are to betransferred. The client 702 b receives the transfer instruct message andthen transfers the selected file to the client 702 a over the directsocket connection (step 895). In a packet-based implementation, theclient 702 b sends TCP/IP packets containing the file over the directsocket connection.

In general, once a file transfer begins, the client application on theclient 702 a assumes that all content (e.g., packets) sent over thedirect connection is part of the selected file. In the event that thereis an error during the transmission, the client 702 a and the client 702b revert back to transmitting through the host 704 to indicate that anerror has occurred and to perform appropriate error recovery procedures.

In one implementation, the client 702 b is capable of transferring oneor more files to the client 702 a transparently to the subscriber usingthe client 702 b. Namely, a first subscriber using the client 702 a cantransfer one or more files from the client 702 b whenever a secondsubscriber using the client 702 b goes online. As long as the secondsubscriber is online and has set transfer preferences allowing the firstsubscriber access to certain available files, the first subscriber cantransfer one or more of the available files without further interventionof the second subscriber. In particular, the second subscriber does notneed to take any active steps to initiate the file transfer process.Rather, upon receiving a message from the client 702 a, the client 702 bautomatically initiates the transfer of selected files without requiringany user input.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate examples of graphical UIs that may be presented tosubscribers. In general, a graphical UI will be rendered on asubscriber's client device.

Referring to FIG. 9, a UI 900 includes one implementation of a filetransfer box 905 for allowing a subscriber to set certain preferencespermitting files to be transferred to and from other subscribers.

The file transfer box 905 includes an allow receive file field 910 forsetting transfer preferences governing which screen names or subscriberscan send files to the subscriber's client device. For example, thesubscriber can select not to receive files from anyone, to receive filesfrom only designated subscribers or buddies, or to receive files fromeveryone. The subscriber may also select to have an approve dialog boxdisplayed to the subscriber whenever a file is sent to the client deviceso that the subscriber can decide whether to receive files on acase-by-case basis.

The file transfer box 905 also includes an allow get file field 915 forsetting transfer preferences governing which screen names or subscriberscan get files from the subscriber's client device. For example, asubscriber can select to allow access by all subscribers, by onlydesignated buddies, or by only certain groups of buddies. The subscribermay also select to be notified of any attempted file transfer so thatthe subscriber can decide whether to allow the file transfer on acase-by-case basis.

The file transfer box 905 also includes a get file directory field 920for allowing the subscriber to designate the directory where filesavailable to other subscribers are stored. The file transfer box 905also includes a put file directory field 925 for allowing the subscriberto designate the directory where transferred files are stored.

An example will be given below with reference to FIGS. 10-12. In thisexample, “Instant a” is the screen name of the first subscriber and“Instant b” is the screen name of the second subscriber. The secondsubscriber has selected to allow access by the first subscriber tocertain documents on a case-by-case basis.

Referring to FIG. 10, a UI 1000 includes screen name box 1005 forallowing a subscriber to designate the screen name of a buddy from whomfiles are to be transferred. In this example, the UI 1000 is presentedto the first subscriber. In order to transfer files from the clientdevice of the second subscriber, the first subscriber may enter thescreen name “Instant b” into the screen name box 1005.

Referring to FIG. 11, a UI 1100 includes an approve dialog box 1105 fornotifying a subscriber that a file transfer is being attempted. In thisexample, the UI 1100 is presented to the second subscriber. The secondsubscriber has the option of approving the file transfer by selectingthe OK button 1110. The second subscriber can also send a warning to thefirst subscriber not to attempt further file transfers by selecting thewarn button 1115. The first subscriber also may prevent the filetransfer by selecting the cancel button 1120.

Referring to FIG. 12, a UI 1200 includes a file list field 1205 fordisplaying the list of available files to a subscriber. In this example,the UI 1200 is displayed to the first subscriber. The first subscribercan select for transfer one or more of the files displayed in the filelist field. After selecting at least one file, the first subscriber canclick on the get button 1210 to execute the file transfer. The firstsubscriber can also click on the stop button 1215 to interrupt a filetransfer and can click on the cancel button 1220 to abort a filetransfer.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

1. A method of transferring one or more files comprising: connecting toa communications system host; receiving, from a first client connectedto the communications system host, a request from a first user of thefirst client to transfer one or more files that are stored on a secondclient to the first client, the second client being connected to thecommunications system host; enabling a second user of the second clientto perceive the request from the first user; enabling the second user toaccept the request; and in response to the second user accepting therequest: establishing a direct socket connection between the firstclient and the second client bypassing the communications system host,communicating to the first client identification information thatidentifies a group of files available for transfer from the secondclient to the first client, receiving, from the first client, aselection from the first user of at least one selected file from amongthe group of files available for transfer, and initiating the transferof the at least one selected file from the second client over the directsocket connection to the first client, wherein receiving the requestfrom the first user comprises receiving a request from the first userthat identifies the second user of the second client, the request fromthe first user being generated by the first client in response to thefirst user inputting an identity of the second user for retrieving oneor more files stored on a computer of the second user, furthercomprising, in response to receiving the request, determining whether anidentity of the first user is among a predefined group of identitiesidentified by the second user for manual authorization, the predefinedgroup of identities being a subset of all identities from which requestsare expected to be received by the second user, and wherein enabling thesecond user to perceive and accept the request is conditioned on theidentity of the first user being included in the predefined group ofidentities.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting tothe first user the group of files as a list of files available fortransfer based on the identification information; and enabling the firstuser to select the at least one selected file from the list of availablefiles.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from thefirst client, information pertaining to the at least one selected file;and instructing the second client to completely or partially transferthe at least one selected file based on the information.
 4. The methodof claim 1 further comprising: wherein the second client permits accessaccording to set transfer preferences.
 5. The method of claim 4 whereinthe set transfer preferences designate a directory from which the groupof files may be transferred.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein the settransfer preferences designate which subscribers to the communicationssystem host are permitted to transfer files.
 7. The method of claim 1wherein the communications system host is an instant messaging host. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein communicating to the first client theidentification information comprises communicating to the first clientthe identification information over the direct socket connection.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein enabling the second user to perceive therequest includes displaying a dialog box that includes the request tothe second user.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein enabling the seconduser to accept the request includes enabling the second user to manuallyaccept the request through interaction with the dialog box.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein enabling the second user to perceive therequest includes enabling the second user to perceive an identity of thefirst user such that the second user can accept the request based on theidentity.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined group ofidentities comprises all identities except identities included in abuddy list of the second user.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining whether the identity of the first user is among a predefinedgroup of identities comprises determining that the identity of the firstuser is among the predefined group of identities.
 14. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the identity of the first user and the identity of thesecond user are screen names of the users.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the request received from the first client includes the screenname of the first user and the Internet Protocol address of the firstclient.
 16. A method of transferring one or more files comprising:connecting to a communications system host; sending, from a first clientconnected to the communications system host, a request from a first userof the first client to transfer one or more files that are stored on asecond client to the first client, the second client being connected tothe communications system host; in response to a second user of thesecond client perceiving and manually accepting the request:establishing a direct socket connection between the first client and thesecond client bypassing the communications system host, receiving, fromthe second client, identification information that identifies a group offiles available for transfer from the second client to the first client,enabling the first user to perceive the group of files, receiving fromthe first user a selection of at least one selected file from among thegroup of files, communicating, from the first client to the secondclient, the selection received from the first user, and initiating thetransfer of the at least one selected file from the second client overthe direct socket connection to the first client, further comprisingreceiving an input of an identity of the second user from the first userfor retrieving one or more files stored on a computer of the seconduser, wherein sending the request from the first user comprises sendingthe request in response to the input of the identity of the second userby the first user for retrieving the one or more files, and wherein theestablishing of the direct socket connection, the receiving of theidentification information, the enabling of the first user to perceivethe group of files, the receiving from the first user the selection, thecommunicating of the selection, and the initiating of the transfer areconditioned on an identity of the first user being determined, inresponse to the request, to be among a predefined group of identitiesidentified by the second user for manual authorization, the predefinedgroup of identities being a subset of all identities from which requestsare expected to be received by the second user.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein: receiving, from the second client, identificationinformation comprises receiving from the second client a list of filesavailable for transfer; enabling the first user to perceive the group offiles comprises presenting the list to the first user in a display; andreceiving, from the first user, a selection of the at least one selectedfile comprises receiving from the first user a selection of at least oneselected file from the list of available files.
 18. The method of claim16, further comprising: sending to the second client, informationpertaining to the at least one selected file; and receivinginstructions, from the second client, to completely or partiallytransfer the at least one selected file based on the information. 19.The method of claim 16 further comprising: wherein the first client ispermitted to access the one or more files according to set transferpreferences.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the set transferpreferences designate a directory from which the group of one or morefiles may be transferred.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein the settransfer preferences designate which subscribers to the communicationssystem host are permitted to transfer files.
 22. The method of claim 19wherein the communications system host is an instant messaging host. 23.The method of claim 16, wherein receiving, from the second client, theidentification information comprises receiving the identificationinformation from the second client over the direct socket connection.24. The method of claim 16, wherein the establishing, the receiving ofthe identification information, the enabling of the first user toperceive, the receiving from the first user of the selection, thecommunicating of the selection, and the initiating of the transfer occurin response to the second user manually accepting the request throughinteraction with a dialog box.
 25. The method of claim 16, wherein thepredefined group of identities comprises all identities exceptidentities included in a buddy list of the second user.
 26. The methodof claim 16, wherein the identity of the first user and the identity ofthe second user are screen names of the users.
 27. The method of claim16, wherein the request sent from the first client includes the screenname of the first user, the screen name of the second user, and theInternet Protocol address of the first client.
 28. An apparatus fortransferring one or more files, the apparatus comprising a second clientconfigured to: connect to a communications system host; receive, from afirst client connected to the communications system host, a request froma first user of the first client to transfer one or more files that arestored on the second client to the first client, the second client beingconnected to the communications system host; enable a second user of thesecond client to perceive the request from the first user; enable thesecond user to accept the request; and in response to the second useraccepting the request: establish a direct socket connection between thefirst client and the second client bypassing the communications systemhost, communicate to the first client identification information thatidentifies a group of files available for transfer from the secondclient to the first client, receive, from the first client, a selectionfrom the first user of at least one selected file from among the groupof files available for transfer, and initiate the transfer of the atleast one selected file from the second client over the direct socketconnection to the first client, wherein receiving the request from thefirst user comprises receiving a request from the first user thatidentifies the second user of the second client, the request from thefirst user being generated by the first client in response to the firstuser inputting an identity of the second user for retrieving one or morefiles stored on a computer of the second user, further comprising, inresponse to receiving the request, determining whether an identity ofthe first user is among a predefined group of identities identified bythe second user for manual authorization, the predefined group ofidentities being a subset of all identities from which requests areexpected to be received by the second user, and wherein enabling thesecond user to perceive and accept the request is conditioned on theidentity of the first user being included in the predefined group ofidentities.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the communicationssystem host is an instant messaging system.
 30. The apparatus of claim28, wherein the predefined group of identities comprises all identitiesexcept identities included in a buddy list of the second user.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 28, wherein determining whether the identity of thefirst user is among a predefined group of identities comprisesdetermining that the identity of the first user is among the predefinedgroup of identities.
 32. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the identityof the first user and the identity of the second user are screen namesof the users.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the requestreceived from the first client includes the screen name of the firstuser and the Internet Protocol address of the first client.
 34. Anapparatus for transferring one or more files, the apparatus comprising afirst client configured to: connect to a communications system host;send, from the first client connected to the communications system host,a request from a first user of the first client to transfer one or morefiles that are stored on a second client to the first client, the secondclient being connected to the communications system host; in response toa second user of the second client perceiving and manually accepting therequest: establish a direct socket connection between the first clientand the second client bypassing the communications system host, receive,from the second client, identification information that identifies agroup of files available for transfer from the second client to thefirst client, enable the first user to perceive the group of files,receive from the first user a selection of at least one selected filefrom among the group of files, communicate, from the first client to thesecond client, the selection received from the first user, and initiatethe transfer of the at least one selected file from the second clientover the direct socket connection to the first client, furthercomprising receiving an input of an identity of the second user from thefirst user for retrieving one or more files stored on a computer of thesecond user, wherein sending the request from the first user comprisessending the request in response to the input of the identity of thesecond user by the first user for retrieving the one or more files, andwherein the establishing of the direct socket connection, the receivingof the identification information, the enabling of the first user toperceive the group of files, the receiving from the first user theselection, the communicating of the selection, and the initiating of thetransfer are conditioned on an identity of the first user beingdetermined, in response to the request, to be among a predefined groupof identities identified by the second user for manual authorization,the predefined group of identities being a subset of all identities fromwhich requests are expected to be received by the second user.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 34, wherein the communications system host is aninstant messaging system.
 36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein thepredefined group of identities comprises all identities exceptidentities included in a buddy list of the second user.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 34, wherein the identity of the first user and theidentity of the second user are screen names of the users.
 38. Theapparatus of claim 37, wherein the request sent from the first clientincludes the screen name of the first user, the screen name of thesecond user, and the Internet Protocol address of the first client. 39.A computer program, stored on a computer readable medium, comprisinginstructions for: connecting to a communications system host; receiving,from a first client connected to the communications system host, arequest from a first user of the first client to transfer one or morefiles that are stored on a second client to the first client, the secondclient being connected to the communications system host; enabling asecond user of the second client to perceive the request from the firstuser; enabling the second user to accept the request; and in response tothe second user accepting the request: establishing a direct socketconnection between the first client and the second client bypassing thecommunications system host, communicating to the first clientidentification information that identifies a group of files availablefor transfer from the second client to the first client, receiving, fromthe first client, a selection from the first user of at least oneselected file from among the group of files available for transfer, andinitiating the transfer of the at least one selected file from thesecond client over the direct socket connection to the first client,wherein receiving the request from the first user comprises receiving arequest from the first user that identifies the second user of thesecond client, the request from the first user being generated by thefirst client in response to the first user inputting an identity of thesecond user for retrieving one or more files stored on a computer of thesecond user, further comprising, in response to receiving the request,determining whether an identity of the first user is among a predefinedgroup of identities identified by the second user for manualauthorization, the predefined group of identities being a subset of allidentities from which requests are expected to be received by the seconduser, and wherein enabling the second user to perceive and accept therequest is conditioned on the identity of the first user being includedin the predefined group of identities.
 40. A computer program as claimedin claim 39, wherein the computer readable medium is a disc.
 41. Acomputer program as claimed in claim 39, wherein the computer readablemedium is a client device.
 42. A computer program as claimed in claim39, wherein the computer readable medium is a host device.
 43. Acomputer program, stored on a computer readable medium, comprisinginstructions for: connecting to a communications system host; sending,from a first client connected to the communications system host, arequest from a first user of the first client to transfer one or morefiles that are stored on a second client to the first client, the secondclient being connected to the communications system host; in response toa second user of the second client accepting the request: establishing adirect socket connection between the first client and the second clientbypassing the communications system host, receiving, from the secondclient, identification information that identifies a group of filesavailable for transfer from the second client to the first client,enabling the first user to perceive the group of files, receiving fromthe first user a selection of at least one selected file from among thegroup of files, communicating, from the first client to the secondclient, the selection received from the first user, and initiating thetransfer of the at least one selected file from the second client overthe direct socket connection to the first client, further comprisingreceiving an input of an identity of the second user from the first userfor retrieving one or more files stored on a computer of the seconduser, wherein sending the request from the first user comprises sendingthe request in response to the input of the identity of the second userby the first user for retrieving the one or more files, and wherein theestablishing of the direct socket connection, the receiving of theidentification information, the enabling of the first user to perceivethe group of files, the receiving from the first user the selection, thecommunicating of the selection, and the initiating of the transfer areconditioned on an identity of the first user being determined, inresponse to the request, to be among a predefined group of identitiesidentified by the second user for manual authorization, the predefinedgroup of identities being a subset of all identities from which requestsare expected to be received by the second user.
 44. A computer programas claimed in claim 43, wherein the computer readable medium is a disc.45. A computer program as claimed in claim 43, wherein the computerreadable medium is a client device.
 46. A computer program as claimed inclaim 43, wherein the computer readable medium is a host device.
 47. Amethod of transferring files, the method comprising: connecting acomputer of a first user to a communications system host; receiving,from a computer of a second user connected to the communications systemhost, a request from the second user to transfer one or more files fromthe computer of the first user to the computer of the second user, therequest being generated by the computer of the second user in responseto the second user inputting an identity of the first user forretrieving one or more files stored on the computer of the first user;in response to the request, accessing transfer preferences associatedwith the identity of the first user, the transfer preferences indicatinga predefined group of identities identified by the first user forautomatic authorization, the predefined group of identities being asubset of all identities from which requests are expected to be receivedby the first user; determining whether an identity of the second user isamong the predefined group of identities; conditioned on the identity ofthe second user being determined to be among the predefined group ofidentities: establishing a direct socket connection between the computerof the first user and the computer of the second user bypassing thecommunications system host, and initiating a transfer of the one or morefiles from the computer of the first user over the direct socketconnection to the computer of the second user; and conditioned on theidentity of the second user not being determined to be among thepredefined group of identities: enabling the first user to perceive therequest from the second user, enabling the first user to accept therequest from the second user, and in response to the second useraccepting the request: establishing a direct socket connection betweenthe computer of the first user and the computer of the second userbypassing the communications system host, and initiating a transfer ofthe one or more files from the computer of the first user over thedirect socket connection to the computer of the second user.
 48. Themethod of claim 47, wherein the predefined group of identities comprisesall of the identities included in a buddy list of the first user. 49.The method of claim 47, wherein the predefined group of identitiescomprises a predefined subset of the identities included in the buddylist of the first user.
 50. The method of claim 47, wherein determiningwhether the identity of the second user is among the predefined group ofidentities identified for automatic authorization comprises determiningthat the identity of the second user is among the predefined group ofidentities, and wherein the establishing of the direct socket connectionand the initiating of the transfer of the one or more files occurwithout requiring any user input and occur in response to determiningthat the identity of the second user is among the predefined group. 51.The method of claim 47, wherein the identity of the first user and theidentity of the second user are screen names of the users.